Nathan Hale has created something that scores of stiff historical graphic novels have utterly failed to do – make the past engaging for young readers. With lesser (see also: boring) nonfiction there’s some “take this, kid, it’ll do ya some good” force feeding. Not here. Nathan Hale (yes the author and main character share the same name) has been captured and is about to be hanged at the hands of the Redcoats. Hale is sly, however, and puts off his execution by telling the true stories of American history. It’s full of humor, but also packed with breathtaking historical action. This is an inventive historical graphic novel you can add to your collection with pride.

In the span of just three novels – only 736 pages – Rebecca Stead has established herself as one of the best children’s authors going. This rep is earned, in part, because the woman trusts her audience. In Liar & Spy, Stead again refuses to pander, opting instead for a slow burn. When Georges meets Safer and becomes his spy recruit, the pair begin tracking mysterious neighbor Mr. X. But nothing is as it seems – with Mr. X, Safer, and, in a final surprising twist, Georges himself. Stead again weaves a complex tale that will leave readers reeling.

Hold on. Wait. This is nonfiction? The spies? The espionage? The secret missions to blow stuff up and sabotage the enemy? All true? Dang. Simply calling this a book about the Manhattan Project does it a disservice. Sheinkin spans the globe, looking at the race to build the first atomic bomb from a variety of angles. Featuring one of the best prologues in recent memory, BOMB stands with the most exciting and thought-provoking books of 2012 – genre be damned.

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.

About 100 Scope Notes

Children's literature news, reviews and assorted school librarian oddities. Combine one part kid's books, one part school librarianship, a splash of absurdity and you get 100 Scope Notes.

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com. He's also on...